Sep 9: Vanuatu is not yet ready to sign a security and economic treaty with Australia over concerns the bilateral pact could restrict the South Pacific island nation’s ability to secure infrastructure funding from China.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had hoped to sign the AUD 500M (USD 330M) deal during a visit to the capital, Port Vila, on Sep 9. The agreement is one of several that Australia is pursuing to prevent China from gaining security influence in the region. But hours before flying from Australia, Albanese said he didn’t expect to sign the landmark pact.
Vanuatu has received large loans and aid from China for buildings, wharves and other infrastructure.
apnews.com/article/vanuat
